ironic

[ahy-ron-ik] / aɪˈrɒn ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

sarcastic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrogant caustic incongruous mocking paradoxical ridiculous sardonic satiric satirical twisted unexpected wry

WEAK

acrid alert backbiting biting bitter burlesque chaffing clever contemptuous contradictory critical cutting cynical defiant derisive disparaging double-edged exaggerated implausible incisive ironical jibing keen mordant pungent quick-witted scathing scoffing sharp sneering spicy trenchant uncomplimentary witty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

straight

WEAK

sincere

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In an ironic twist, given the song’s all-grown-up-at-18 energy, “Boyfriend” was blocked from No. 1 by “We Are Young” from Jack Antonoff’s old band, Fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

It feels ironic that the player who had the biggest impact throughout that run will now return looking to bring this fairytale to an end.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

One ironic beneficiary of Starlink’s success is telecom mogul Charlie Ergen, who has used regulatory arbitrage to save his failed broadband bet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

As Mr. McGurn observes, it’s ironic that Pope Leo, previously an Augustinian friar, disregards the seminal work on just-war philosophy by his order’s namesake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

This fresh blow coming swiftly upon my masquerade of the night before was ironic, and rather horrible.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Vocabulary lists containing ironic

The Giver

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The Catcher in the Rye

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This Week in Words: October 28 - November 2, 2018

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